Life history and life writing research uses life story - whether in the form of oral history, personal narrative, autobiography or biography - as a primary source for the study of history and culture.
Life history and life writing research uses life story - whether in the form of oral history, personal narrative, autobiography or biography - as a primary source for the study of history and culture. Life stories capture the relation between the individual and society, the local and the national, the past and present and the public and private experience. Research involves grappling with theories of memory, relationship and self representation, and with debates about literacy and orality. Many disciplines contribute to the field, including history, sociology, anthropology, literary philosophy, cultural studies and psychology. Life history and life writing researchers present their work in many forms. As well as academic publications, we contribute to radio and television documentaries, auto/biographical drama, reminiscence work, digital and video presentations and exhibitions. Life history and life writing research is, of necessity, concerned with ethics and power relationships, and with the potential for advocacy and empowerment.
Our next free event:
University histories, class histories, oral histories
Tue 10 October 2023, 4pm-5.30pm
University of Sussex, Silverstone Building, Room 302
Free, in-person, all welcome, disabled access. Drinks and nibbles.
How can oral history be used to explore the history of universities and the communities and places around them? Share ideas and try it out!
From critical analyses of curriculum design and student politics to commemorative celebrations of University or department anniversaries, oral histories have played a significant role in capturing the experience of Higher Education. Oral history methods have at the same time been a tool for community and working-class history-making, and for analysing class struggles over time.
This workshop will start with short presentations from academics and practitioners who have explored both the Universities of Sussex and Brighton and the geographies and communities around them in oral history projects and archives. We will then enjoy a taster oral history experience as part of our following round table discussion and questions.
Proudly featuring Nicola Benge, community heritage practitioner of Mapping Mithras, exploring the University of Brighton’s Mithras House. Other contributors include Prof Ben Rogaly, co-author, with Becky Taylor of Moving Histories of Class and Community: Identity, Place and Belonging in Contemporary England, Prof Margaretta Jolly and University photographer Stuart Robinson.
Registration required at: EVENTBRITE
Questions please contact: Sarah.Watson@sussex.ac.uk
More upcoming events:
CLHLWR Open House
Tue 17 October 2023, 4pm-6pm
Silverstone Building (Room 302), University of Sussex
Free, in-person, all welcome, disabled access. Drinks and nibbles.
A welcoming general meeting to share your research questions and projects; methodological interests in life writing, oral history, life history, documentary, auto/biography, portraiture, biomythography, obituary, ecobiography, testimony, object lives, the digital everyday, Mass Observation and more.
We'll also explore opportunities for collaboration, funding, and ways to publicise our collective strength in this capacious, inter-disciplinary field.
Registration is essential as spaces are limited: EVENTBRITE
Questions please contact: E m.jolly@sussex.ac.uk
